AN empty shop which used to sell telephones is being opened after years of dereliction.
The town centre eyesore, in Wellington Street, Stockton, has been bought by the company which owns the shopping centre next door.
The Wellington Square Development Company has unveiled plans to spend £500,000 bringing the former Phone In Shop back into use.
Since it closed in 1998, the once-smart, 1960s-style shop has fallen into dereliction and neglect because of vandalism and weathering.
The transformation of the two-storey shop should be complete before Christmas.
Rob Gildersleeve, manager of the Wellington Square Shopping Centre, said: "It is an excellent opportunity to extend our retail offering, while at the same time allowing us to dramatically improve an area in desperate need of regeneration.
"I anticipate the redevelopment will be welcomed by shoppers."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article